Facile fabrication of alveolate Cu2-xSe microsheets as a new visible-light photocatalyst for discoloration of Rhodamine B

A new porous material, alveolate Cu2-xSe microsheets, was synthesized through a simple one-step solvothermal process. The surface morphology and microstructure of the as-prepared Cu2-xSe were characterized by various techniques. It was found that the as-synthesized Cu2-xSe has hierarchical porosity composed of mesopores and macropores, and rich active surfaces of {111} facets. A noteworthy visible-light-responsive photocatalytic discoloration of Rhodamine B was observed for the as-developed alveolate Cu2-xSe microsheets. The superior photocatalytic properties demonstrated by the as-synthesized Cu2-xSe are mainly attributed to the highly accessible active surfaces of the {111} facets and the wider light absorption range resulting from its narrower band gap.